History Main / HesitantSacrifice

** This is an interesting example in that Robin didn't admit this immediately. While she didn't ''want'' to die, she said she'd prefer death over being abandoned again, as despite her fondness for them she believes that the Straw Hats will eventually abandon her like everyone else, because she's been a wanted woman her whole life. She finally admitted the truth while in tears after the Straw Hats proceeded to declare war on the entire world by shooting and burning the World Government flag, just to prove to Robin how far they would go for her.

* ''Super Franchise/StreetFighter [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV IV]]'' has an occurrence of this during the [[FightingYourFriend Rival Battle]] between [[VideoGame/FinalFight Guy]] and [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Rose]]. Rose (despite '''a)''' [[LateArrivalSpoiler being]] [[EnemyWithout the good half of]] [[BigBad Bison's]] [[EnemyWithout soul]], '''b)''' having failed on several previous occasions to kill Bison because [[IncorruptiblePurePureness their]] [[MadeOfEvil power]] [[NoSell is equal but opposite]], and '''c)''' acknowledging herself that she is merely TheObiWan to Ryu, the ''true'' character [[TheChosenOne destined to finally vanquish Bison]]) is [[JustForPun dead-set]] on stopping her mortal enemy, even if it requires [[TakingYouWithMe her going down with him]]. Guy, in a [[HistoryRepeats re-visitation]] of ''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', is wholly devoted to stopping Rose from proceeding with what is essentially a suicide mission. He questions Rose's methodology with the words [[HeroicSacrifice "Being prepared to die in battle]] is not the same as [[SenselessSacrifice offering yourself to death willingly."]] Cue a very somber battle with [[ApologeticAttacker much reluctance from both sides]]. One of Rose's [[BossBanter remarks during the battle]] is this trope nearly word for word, and when the two aren't beating the tar out of one another, Guy is constantly urging Rose to reconsider her plans.

* A {{vocaloid}}s example, in ''Daughter of Yellow: Closure of Yellow'', [[spoiler: Allen reveals that he actually didn't want to die, and confesses the fact that escaping with Riliane & Germaine might not have been a bad idea. Of course, he knew deep inside that in order for his sister's safety for the remainder of her life, SomeoneHasToDie]]

* In ''{{Manga/Hellsing}}'', the section chief of the Wild Geese expressed this kind of sentiment during Millennium's raid on the Hellsing manor. Captain Bernadotte belittled him for his cowardice for it but told him that he didn't want to die there either before continuing to fight.

* The American folk song "O'Death" pleads with [[TheGrimReaper Death]] to pass them over until they're older.

* {{HollywoodUndead}}'s single "I Don't Wanna Die".

* Uttered verbatim by a plague victim in IngmarBergman's ''TheSeventhSeal''. It's not really a sacrifice in that the plague is not targeting him personally: almost everybody in the town is slowly succumbing to the epidemic, and he just happens to be one of the first. His outburst forces ''all'' the characters to have to reflect upon their collective mortality, and even to [[CessationOfExistence wonder if there's anything to look forward to after they go through with their deaths]]. The fact that for much of the movie both the characters and the audience can't even ''see'' the plague (which does appear in a personified form occasionally) [[NothingIsScarier makes it infinitely worse]]. One of the heroes finally snaps and [[RageAgainstTheHeavens shouts up to God, demanding to know why this has to happen and whether God is listening or even really cares]]. In the end, [[spoiler: all of these characters ''do'' die, except for one family who take a darkly casual attitude toward their narrow escape]].

* A variant in ''[[TheSagaOfDarrenShan Cirque de Freak]]''. Darren doesn't have to die, but he ''really'' doesn't [[TearJerker want to fake his own death to abandon his family]]. Unfortunately, he has to do so or else, as a half-vampire, he runs the risk of accidentally killing his family or friends. At one point he asks Mr. Crepsley if there's any way he can just run away in the middle of the night. He's told he cannot, because his family would never stop looking for him.

** In ''VisualNovel/FateHollowAtaraxia'', this is done by none other than [[spoiler:Avenger, [[GodOfEvil the spirit of Angra Mainyu]] himself]]! As he prepares to end the [[spoiler:[[GroundhogDayLoop the four-day time-loop]]] the entire cast has been trapped in throughout the story, a part of him really wants to [[spoiler:just let the loops keep going so he can keep playing the part of [[DemonicPossession Shirou Emiya]], because without them he'll [[CessationOfExistence cease to exist]]]]. However, even though he acknowledges this, he still chooses to go through with it, [[spoiler:because he knows it's meaningless and his Master Bazett needs to move on]]. The fact that he inherited some traits from [[spoiler:Shirou]] helped him with this.

** In ''VisualNovel/FateHollowAtaraxia'', this is done by none other than [[spoiler:Avenger, [[GodOfEvil the spirit of Angra Mainyu]] himself]]! As he prepares to end the [[spoiler:[[GroundhogDayLoop the four-day time-loop]] the entire cast has been trapped in throughout the story, a part of him really wants to [[spoiler:just let the loops keep going so he can keep playing the part of [[DemonicPossession Shirou Emiya]], because without them he'll [[CessationOfExistence cease to exist]]]]. However, even though he acknowledges this, he still chooses to go through with it, [[spoiler:because he knows it's meaningless and his Master Bazett needs to move on]]. The fact that he inherited some traits from [[spoiler:Shirou]] helped him with this.

* In ComicBook/{{Fables}}, [[spoiler: Darien Wolf]] comes to the realisation that if he sacrifices himself, his sister will survive, [[ColdEquation while they will both die if he doesn't.]] He resists the dawning knowledge continuously, and after his (logical, but unsuccessful,) attempt to TakeAThirdOption fails, he laments how unfair this is, and that this isn't the way it works in stories. It turns out that being brave and loving your sister does ''not'' automatically mean you FaceDeathWithDignity, especially if [[spoiler: you're only eight years old]].

* In {{Fables}}, [[spoiler: Darien Wolf]] comes to the realisation that if he sacrifices himself, his sister will survive, [[ColdEquation while they will both die if he doesn't.]] He resists the dawning knowledge continuously, and after his (logical, but unsuccessful,) attempt to TakeAThirdOption fails, he laments how unfair this is, and that this isn't the way it works in stories. It turns out that being brave and loving your sister does ''not'' automatically mean you FaceDeathWithDignity, especially if [[spoiler: you're only eight years old]].

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]] and they have a sudden realisation: "Wait, I Don't Want To Die!" It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else (though of course, if ''everyone'' has to die, that doesn't necessarily make the deal any sweeter, and might even make an individual death seem even more pointless).

If the hero takes the "blustering" route, expect wild rationalizations, such as "I've already done enough!" or "I'm too young to die!" [[BlatantLies (even if the hero is, in fact, very old)]]. "[[IHaveAFamily I have a wife and kids!]]" or "[[ThisCannotBe This can't happen to me!]] I'm a [self-important description of oneself]!" may be heard in more comedic works.

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else (though of course, if ''everyone'' has to die, that doesn't necessarily make the deal any sweeter, and might even make an individual death seem even more pointless).

* VillainProtagonist Light Yagami of ''Manga/DeathNote'' doesn't do this, since he had no intention of hastening his own death by one moment, but after all his drama and posturing these ''are'' his final words. Completely without dignity.
** This is done ''much'' more tastefully in the live-action adaptation. While the manga CrossesTheLineTwice with its morbid and [[DudeNotFunny grossly]] ironic depiction of Light's death, the live-action version has him instead say, "I can't die here!" Furthermore, his [[LastWords final words]] are not of his fear and unwillingness to die but rather an appeal to his father to understand his motivation for [[JusticeWillPrevail acting as Kira.]] Considering that the live-action films made him out to be a ''much'' more three-dimensional and sympathetic character with more reasons to back up his actions and given the fact that the artist reportedly admitted to feeling sick while drawing Light's death scene, this is hardly surprising.

* A deeply disturbing scene in ''The Monocled Mutineer'' (starring Paul [=McGann=] as the eponymous character) shows the execution of a soldier who panicked and ran away from the field of battle. The young captain spent the night before his execution locked in a shed, stalking up and down and ranting variations on "I want to live". At dawn he was taken out, blindfolded and tied to a chair. He screamed all the way. He screamed while they were shooting him, too, and went on screaming until someone walked up and put a bullet in his head. The noises he made [[HellIsThatNoise didn't even sound human.]]

* The Autoresponder in one ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' update. In this case, as the autoresponder is a robot who often seems proud not to possess the flaws and excessive emotionality of the humans around him, it's quite a shocking moment that makes him much more sympathetic.
-->'''TT:''' Don't kill me.
-->'''TT:''' Please.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared.
-->'''TT [Dirk]:''' You are?
-->'''TT:''' Yes.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared to not exist.
-->'''TT:''' Aren't you?

If the hero takes the "blustering" route, expect wild rationalizations, such as "I've already done enough!" or "I'm too young to die!" [[BlatantLies (even if the hero is, in fact, very old)]]. "I have a wife and kids!" or "[[ThisCannotBe This can't happen to me!]] I'm a [self-important description of oneself]!" may be heard in more comedic works.

* Uttered verbatim by a plague victim in IngmarBergman's ''TheSeventhSeal''. It's not really a sacrifice in that the plague is not targeting him personally: almost everybody in the town is slowly succumbing to the epidemic, and he just happens to be one of the first. His outburst forces ''all'' the characters to have to reflect upon their collective mortality, and even to [[CessationOfExistence wonder if there's anything to look forward to after they go through with their deaths]]. The fact that for much of the movie both the characters and the audience can't even ''see'' the plague (which does appear in a personified form occasionally) makes it infinitely worse. One of the heroes finally snaps and [[RageAgainstTheHeavens shouts up to God, demanding to know why this has to happen and whether God is listening or even really cares]]. In the end, [[spoiler: all of these characters ''do'' die, except for one family who take a darkly casual attitude toward their narrow escape]].

[[folder:Film]]

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else (though of course, if ''everyone'' has to die, that doesn't necessarily make the deal any sweeter, and might even make an individual death seem even more pointless). This scenario is often used to show a somewhat flawed, human side to the hero, and also to make the scene more dramatic. It is characterized by very unheroic responses and actions wherein they lose bravery, resolve, consideration of the greater good and, sometimes, dignity. It is likely that the hero will need someone to help them calm down if they don't end up doing so themselves and FaceDeathWithDignity. There's also the possibility that this will be their DespairEventHorizon and might lead them to try and ScrewDestiny by running away. Attempts to TakeAThirdOption don't usually work out. Although there is the possibility of a DeusExMachina to save the day, this may or may not affect the impact of the scene.

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else (though of course, if ''everyone'' has to die, that doesn't necessarily make the deal any sweeter). This scenario is often used to show a somewhat flawed, human side to the hero, and also to make the scene more dramatic. It is characterized by very unheroic responses and actions wherein they lose bravery, resolve, consideration of the greater good and, sometimes, dignity. It is likely that the hero will need someone to help them calm down if they don't end up doing so themselves and FaceDeathWithDignity. There's also the possibility that this will be their DespairEventHorizon and might lead them to try and ScrewDestiny by running away. Attempts to TakeAThirdOption don't usually work out. Although there is the possibility of a DeusExMachina to save the day, this may or may not affect the impact of the scene.

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else. This scenario is often used to show a somewhat flawed, human side to the hero, and also to make the scene more dramatic. It is characterized by very unheroic responses and actions wherein they lose bravery, resolve, consideration of the greater good and, sometimes, dignity. It is likely that the hero will need someone to help them calm down if they don't end up doing so themselves and FaceDeathWithDignity. There's also the possibility that this will be their DespairEventHorizon and might lead them to try and ScrewDestiny by running away. Attempts to TakeAThirdOption don't usually work out. Although there is the possibility of a DeusExMachina to save the day, this may or may not affect the impact of the scene.

* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', everyone who gets eaten by Titans acts this way right before the teeth come down. Or worse, while they are slowly dissolving in the Titans' stomach acid. Well, in all fairness, being eaten alive by a giant is a truly horrific way to die; the Titans seem to take some macabre enjoyment out of tormenting their victims while eating them. The ones who get their heads bitten off first, like [[MauveShirt Mina]], they're ''the lucky ones''. As such, most people once in the clutches of a Titan do ''not'' FaceDeathWithDignity.

->''"[[TrueCompanions I want to see you all again]]. Just one more time. I'm...scared. I don't want...to die."''

* In the DownerEnding of ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'', Rosette, who has spent all her remaining life force battling the BigBad, seems ready to FaceDeathWithDignity, but just minutes before the time comes, she breaks down and starts crying how she doesn't want to die and lists all the things she still wants to do in her life... Well, you've read the "DownerEnding" part above.

* Pengin from ''LightNovel/{{Katanagatari}}'', a ChildSoldier, is asked for his LastWords by the man who just gut-shot him. Pengin sobs that he doesn't want to die. His opponent calls him a coward and [[WouldHurtAChild shoves the gun in his mouth]].

* In ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'', Saito faces an army of 70,000 alone so [[YouShallNotPass everybody else can escape]], knowing full well he won't survive. Until he is killed, he continuously comments that he really wants to live and get back to his wife Louise. Fortunately, he gets revived.

* Massive tear jerker in [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin http://www.fimfiction.net/story/109581/1/i-did-not-want-to-die/i-did-not-want-to-die]]

* Tearfully said word for word by the Kid in ''Film/TheQuickAndTheDead'', after he's been gut-shot by Harod and is dying in the dirt. He dies mere seconds later.

* In ''Film/{{Prometheus}}'', the driving motivation behind [[spoiler:Peter Weyland]] is his desire to extend his own life, so much so that he seems to be willfully ignorant of the fact that the aliens he hopes will grant him immortality [[AliensAreBastards are total bastards]].
* In ''Film/TheWolverine'', Ichiro Yashida wants to avoid his impending death due to cancer so badly that he [[spoiler:engages in a twisted scheme to steal Wolverine's HealingFactor for himself.]] He hypocritically tries to convince Wolverine to give him his HealingFactor by claiming that [[WhoWantsToLiveForever an eternal life is meaningless]] [[spoiler:when he really thinks [[LivingForeverIsAwesome an eternal life is the only life that can have meaning.]]]]

* Mme Du Barry in ''Literature/TheWomanWithTheVelvetNecklace''. This is based on a historical anecdote, telling that the woman's last lines before she was lowered before the guillotine were "Just one minute more, sir! One more minute!"

* On ''Series/{{Angel}}'', while the visions are eating Cordelia's brains, she gets one of these moments.
-->'''Cordy''': "I'm not - I know what I said earlier - But I don't want the visions anymore. I tried to be brave. I did. But I'm just scared now. I'm scared all the time. (''Does her best not to cry'') I mean look at me!
** Similarly, when [[spoiler:Fred]]'s soul is being devoured, [[spoiler:her]] last words are "Why can't I stay?"
* Parodied in way too many episodes of ''TheMightyBoosh'' to count- Howard Moon faces nearly every death threat with sudden tears and the words "Don't kill me, I have so much to give!"

* ''Series/{{Bones}}'' had this during the death of [[spoiler:Vincent]] who, with his last breaths begged "Don't make me leave. I want to stay."

[[folder:Theatre]]
* Desdemona in Shakespeare's ''Theatre/{{Othello}}'' grovels when it's clear that Othello intends to kill her, as she begs "Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight."
[[/folder]]

* One of the mooks' death quotes in the first ''PerfectDark'' was this line. Another is "Why...me?"

* Most of your companions in ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' have a line that amounts to this when they're running low on health, but only [[WrenchWench Mako]] says this word for word.